FUNCTION: This gene encodes a member of a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) family of endoproteases that play important roles in various biological processes including cell signaling, adhesion and migration. This gene is expressed in a regulated fashion during spermatogenesis. The encoded preproprotein undergoes proteolytic processing to generate a mature, functional metalloprotease enzyme. This gene is located adjacent to other ADAM genes on chromosome 8. [provided by RefSeq, May 2016]